Microchip Technology TC1121EPA
- Part No.:
- TC1121EPA
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
TC1121EPA.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG CHARGE PUMP 100MA 8PDIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,223
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Product details
Overview
TC1121EPA from Microchip Technology is a 100 mA charge pump voltage inverter IC that converts 2.4V–5.5V input to a corresponding negative output voltage, operates at selectable oscillator frequencies (10–200 kHz), uses only two external capacitors, and features shutdown control - deployed in medical instrumentation and industrial process controllers requiring compact, inductorless negative rail generation.
For engineers reviewing the TC1121EPA datasheet, TC1121EPA pinout, TC1121EPA application, or TC1121EPA equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, package-validated pin functions, real-world use cases, and technically grounded alternative options for embedded power design.
Technical Context
The TC1121EPA implements a switched-capacitor inverter topology with internal oscillator control via FC and OSC pins, supporting both internal frequency selection (10 kHz or 200 kHz) and external clock overdrive. Its charge-pump matrix delivers unregulated negative output with typical source resistance of 12 Ω at 60 mA load.
Operation requires no inductors; output voltage magnitude tracks input (e.g., +5 V → –5 V under light load), dropping to –3.8 V at 100 mA due to output resistance and capacitor ESR. Shutdown reduces supply current to ≤1 µA, enabling low-power system states.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 100 mA max - supports moderate-load analog rails and sensor biasing without external pass devices |
| Oscillator Frequency | 10 kHz to 200 kHz - enables trade-off between capacitor size (smaller at 200 kHz) and quiescent current (lower at 10 kHz) |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.4 V to 5.5 V - compatible with single Li-ion, 3.3 V, and 5 V logic-supply domains |
| Active Supply Current | 50 µA typical at 10 kHz - ensures ultra-low static power in battery-powered portable instruments |
| Shutdown Current | ≤1 µA - allows deep-sleep operation while preserving fast wake-up capability |
| Output Source Resistance | 12 Ω typical at 60 mA - defines load regulation slope and ripple sensitivity in unregulated inverter mode |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C - qualified for extended industrial and medical environments |
Pinout & Package
TC1121EPA is housed in an 8-pin PDIP package (0.300" wide, JEDEC MS-001), with through-hole mounting and standard lead spacing for legacy PCB assembly and prototyping.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (FC) | Frequency Control Input | Selects internal oscillator frequency: open = 10 kHz, tied to V+ = 200 kHz; no effect when OSC is externally driven |
| 2 (CAP+) | Charge-Pump Capacitor Positive Terminal | Connects to positive plate of flying capacitor C1; switches between V+ and VOUT during pumping cycle |
| 3 (GND) | Power Ground Reference | Primary return path for internal logic and switch matrix; must be low-impedance for stable oscillation and low noise |
| 4 (CAP–) | Charge-Pump Capacitor Negative Terminal | Connects to negative plate of flying capacitor C1; forms charge-transfer path with CAP+ |
| 5 (VOUT) | Negative Output Terminal | Delivers inverted voltage rail; output impedance limits load regulation and ripple performance |
| 6 (SHDN) | Active-High Shutdown Input | Drives internal logic low to disable oscillator and switches; VIH ≥ 0.8×V+, VIL ≤ 0.4 V |
| 7 (OSC) | Oscillator Control/External Clock Input | Accepts external CMOS clock or external timing capacitor to ground; overrides FC when driven |
| 8 (V+) | Positive Supply Input | Supplies all internal circuitry and charge-pump energy; absolute max 6 V; must be bypassed locally |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Inductorless Inversion | Eliminates magnetic components, reducing BOM cost, board area, and EMI emissions in space-constrained systems |
| Selectable Oscillator Frequency | Enables optimization of external capacitor size (10 µF at 200 kHz vs. 100 µF at 10 kHz) without changing layout |
| 100 mA Output Capability | Sufficient to power op-amp dual-rails, ADC reference buffers, or LCD bias circuits without external boost stages |
| Sub-1 µA Shutdown Mode | Permits integration into always-on subsystems where intermittent negative rail activation is required |
| Wide Input Voltage Range | Supports direct connection to main system rails (2.4–5.5 V), avoiding dedicated LDO pre-regulation |
Applications
| Medical Instrumentation | Laptop Computers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Generating –5 V bias for precision analog front-ends in portable ECG monitors and handheld diagnostic tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Charge pump inverter providing isolated negative rail for op-amp input stages and ADC reference drivers. Use Value: Enables rail-to-rail analog signal acquisition from single 3.3 V or 5 V supply while maintaining >93% power efficiency and <1 µA shutdown draw. | Use Scenario: Supplying negative voltage for USB transceiver bias and display backlight controller ICs in compact clamshell designs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact DC/DC inverter delivering regulated-negative auxiliary rail without inductors or layout complexity. Use Value: Reduces solution footprint by eliminating magnetics and simplifies thermal management with 730 mW PDIP power dissipation rating. |
| Disk Drive Electronics | μP-Based Controllers |
Use Scenario: Powering voice coil motor (VCM) driver bias networks and servo amplifier offset correction in 2.5-inch HDDs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current inverter supplying transient-heavy negative bias during head seek operations. Use Value: Delivers 100 mA peak current with 12 Ω output resistance, minimizing voltage droop during dynamic loads without external compensation. | Use Scenario: Providing –3.3 V or –5 V for microcontroller I/O level-shifting, EEPROM programming voltage, and analog peripheral interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-level voltage translator enabling mixed-voltage communication between 3.3 V MCU and legacy –5 V peripherals. Use Value: Supports direct interface to RS-232 line drivers and legacy sensors using only two ceramic capacitors and no external magnetics. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar charge pump inverter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX680ESA+ | Fixed 10 kHz oscillator; no FC pin; 100 mA output; SO8 package only | Lacks frequency selectability and PDIP option; lower operating temp range (–40°C to +85°C same, but no extended grade) | Choose when fixed-frequency operation suffices and SOIC packaging is acceptable |
| ICL7660AIPAZ | Lower 20 mA output; no shutdown; 3 V to 15 V input; 8-pin PDIP available | Insufficient for >50 mA loads; no power-save mode; wider input range trades off efficiency at low VIN | Choose only for ultra-low-cost, low-current legacy replacements where shutdown is unnecessary |
Compared with MAX680ESA+ and ICL7660AIPAZ, TC1121EPA uniquely combines 100 mA output, programmable oscillator frequency, active shutdown, and PDIP packaging - making it the only option among the three qualified for high-current, low-quiescent, through-hole industrial designs requiring thermal robustness and layout flexibility.
Availability
TC1121EPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical instrumentation, disk drive electronics, and μP-based controllers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and legacy through-hole manufacturing.
Supply support for TC1121EPA includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Microchip Technology is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and power management ICs, with ISO/TS-16949 certified manufacturing and global technical support infrastructure.
The TC1121EPA belongs to Microchip's legacy charge pump converter product line, designed specifically for compact, inductorless negative voltage generation in portable and industrial equipment where reliability and ease of implementation are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for TC1121EPA?
The TC1121EPA has an absolute maximum supply voltage (V+) rating of 6 V. Operation above this level risks permanent damage. The recommended operating range is 2.4 V to 5.5 V, aligning with common logic supply rails. This specification is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table on page 3 of the DS20001358D datasheet. Always ensure proper decoupling and avoid transient overshoot beyond 6 V on the V+ pin of TC1121EPA.
Does TC1121EPA require external inductors?
No, TC1121EPA does not require external inductors. It is a charge pump inverter that uses only two external capacitors (C1 and C2) to generate the negative output voltage. This eliminates magnetic components, reducing EMI, board area, and BOM cost. The device's functional block diagram and General Description section on page 1 of DS20001358D explicitly state "no inductors required." This architecture is intrinsic to TC1121EPA's design and applies across all operating conditions.
What is the function of the FC pin on TC1121EPA?
Pin 1 (FC) on TC1121EPA controls the internal oscillator frequency: left open, it sets FOSC to 10 kHz typical; tied to V+, it increases frequency to 200 kHz typical. FC has no effect when the OSC pin is driven by an external clock. This feature allows designers to optimize capacitor size versus quiescent current - smaller caps at 200 kHz, lower IDD at 10 kHz. The FC pin behavior is fully documented in Table 2-1 and Section 3.2 of the TC1121EPA datasheet.
Can TC1121EPA be used in cascaded configurations?
Yes, TC1121EPA supports cascading to generate higher-magnitude negative voltages (e.g., –2VIN). Figure 3-2 in the datasheet shows two TC1121EPA devices connected in series, with resulting output resistance approximately equal to the sum of individual ROUT values. Each stage requires its own C1 capacitor, and the output voltage follows VOUT = –n × VIN (where n = number of stages). This configuration is validated for TC1121EPA and maintains specified performance within thermal limits.
Is TC1121EPA still in active production?
TC1121EPA is marked as "Obsolete Device" in the official Microchip datasheet (DS20001358D, page 2), indicating it is no longer in active production. However, Aetrix Electronics maintains legacy inventory and offers full supply chain support including traceable sourcing, BOM continuity management, and lifecycle coordination - ensuring continued availability for maintenance, repair, and legacy system production requiring TC1121EPA.
TC1121EPA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Ratiometric
- Output Configuration:
- Negative
- Topology:
- Charge Pump
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 2.4V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -Vin
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 100mA
- Frequency - Switching:
- 10kHz ~ 200kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
TC1121EPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TC1121EPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TC1121EPA on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for TC1121EPA reliable?
The price and inventory of TC1121EPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TC1121EPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TC1121EPA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TC1121EPA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TC1121EPA?
TC1121EPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TC1121EPA order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for TC1121EPA?
For technical support, including TC1121EPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TC1121EPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TC1121EPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TC1121EPA products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that TC1121EPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TC1121EPA?
All TC1121EPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TC1121EPA, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The TC1121EPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TC1121EPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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